Fill nipple assembly

ABSTRACT

A fill nipple assembly for use as a fill interface on a pressure regulator may comprise a fill nipple body, a strut member and a seal member. The fill nipple body includes a main bore with a tapered section. The strut member includes a complimentary tapered surface with a seal groove for retaining a seal member. The seal member extends partially outward of the tapered surface. The tapered section and tapered surface may have respective taper angles which are substantially the same. The rear portion of the strut member may include a radially-extending strut flange adapted to axially engage the proximal end of the fill nipple body. The strut member is received by the main bore for axial movement into and out of a sealing configuration with respect to the main bore. The seal member sealingly engages the tapered section when the strut member is in its sealing configuration.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/489,243 filed May 23, 2011, the content of which is incorporated by this reference in its entirety for all purposes as if fully set forth herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to fill nipple assemblies for association with gas pressure regulators attached to enclosed pressurized fluid storage reservoirs, particularly where such regulators are used in association with the sport of paintball.

BACKGROUND

Pressure regulators such as those operatively connected between a gas pressure reservoir and a paintball marker commonly include a fill nipple through which the reservoir may be filled with pressurized gas. Such fill nipples typically include a poppet-like structure and an o-ring seal. The o-ring seal may be susceptible to failure by way of, for example, the wear from friction produced between the o-ring and the bore wall as a result of repeated cycling of the poppet. Further, rapid or “flash” filling of a reservoir by way of typical conventional nipple assemblies may result in their o-rings becoming dislodged from their respective o-ring grooves. Failure or disintegration of an o-ring in a conventional fill nipple systems may commonly result in the fill nipple system being left in an largely unsealed configuration, wherein pressurized fluid is able to substantially leak from the pressurized reservoir through the fill nipple. Such a condition may make it particularly difficult to remove a fill hose fitting from the fill nipple.

What is needed is an inexpensive fill nipple assembly which is able to substantially reduce operational wear on the seal member, such as an elastomeric o-ring, prevent dislodgement of the seal during rapid filling operations, and include fail-safe mechanisms to substantially impede the release of pressurized gas upon failure of the seal member.

SUMMARY

Certain deficiencies of the prior art may be overcome by the provision of one or more embodiments of a fill nipple assembly for use as a fill interface on a pressure regulator. The fill nipple assembly may comprise a fill nipple body, a strut member and a seal member. The fill nipple body may include a proximal end, a distal end, a main bore extending therebetween, a proximal portion adjacent the proximal end, and a distal portion adjacent the distal end. The main bore may include a tapered section extending from a broad end to a narrow end, with the broad end being closest to the proximal end.

The strut member may include a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween. The intermediate portion typically includes a tapered surface having a taper angle which is nearly identical to that of the tapered section of the main bore. The strut member may further include an annular seal groove disposed along the intermediate portion. The rear or second portion may include a radially-extending strut flange adapted to axially engage the proximal end. The strut member may be adapted to being received by the main bore for axial movement into and out of a sealing configuration with respect to the main bore. The strut member may be urged into sealing configuration, for example, by way of back pressure from the reservoir being filled, where such back pressure is applied to the second end of the strut member. The strut member may be urged out of sealing configuration by way of fill pressure from a fill hose attached to the distal portion of the nipple body. The seal member is typically received by the seal groove and extends partially outward of the tapered surface. The seal member sealingly engages the tapered section when the strut member is in its sealing configuration

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantages of the present invention may become apparent to those skilled in the art with the benefit of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and upon reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic exploded view of an embodiment of a fill nipple assembly;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a fill nipple assembly in threaded engagement with a fill port of the body of a gas pressure regulator;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, but in collapsed configuration and in which the strut member is shown in sealing configuration with respect to the main bore;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 3, but in which the strut member is shown out of sealing configuration with respect to the main bore;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of a fill nipple body;

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic end view of the fill nipple member of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic perspective view of an embodiment of a strut member;

FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic end view of the strut member of FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding features throughout the several views.

Embodiments of a fill nipple assembly are depicted 100, and are preferably adapted to mount to a fill port 112 of a pressure regulator body 100 to act as a fill interface on a the respective pressure regulator. Embodiments of an assembly 100 generally comprise a fill nipple body 102, a strut member 104 and a seal member 106.

A fill nipple body 102 may include a proximal end 120, a distal end 122, a main bore 132 extending therebetween, a proximal portion 116 adjacent the proximal end 120, and a distal portion 140 adjacent the distal end 122. In certain embodiments, the fill nipple body 102 may include a shoulder flange 124 between the proximal portion 116 and the distal end 126. The main bore 132 may have a tapered section 134 extending, for example, from a broad end 148 to a narrow end 150. As illustrated in FIG. 7, for example, the broad end 148 is preferably located closest to the proximal end 120.

In preferred embodiments, the proximal portion 116 may include external threading (not shown). In such embodiments, the main bore 132 may include a tool engagement portion 136 extending inwardly from the distal end 122. In embodiments in which the proximal portion 116 is threaded, the tool engagement portion 136 may typically be adapted to, for example, axially releasably receive a torque tool, such as a hex wrench or the like. This tool can be used to apply a torque to the fill nipple body 102 to threadedly mount the proximal portion 116 of the assembly 100 to the fill port 112 of the regulator body 110.

A strut member 104 may include a first end 126, a second end 128, a first portion 138, a second portion 142 and an intermediate portion 130 therebetween. The intermediate portion 130 may include a tapered surface 135. The strut member 104 may further include an annular seal groove 118 disposed, for example, at a location along the intermediate portion 130. The strut member 104 may be adapted to being received by the main bore 132 for axial movement into and out of a sealing configuration with respect to the main bore 132.

A seal member 106 is typically received by the seal groove 118 and extends partially outward of the tapered surface 135 of the strut member 104. As illustrated for example in FIG. 3, the seal member 106 may sealingly engage the tapered section 134 of the main bore 132 when the strut member 104 is in its sealing configuration. In particular preferred embodiments, the seal member 106 is an o-ring, and is typically comprised of or more elastomeric material conventionally used in connection with fluid pressure seals.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 10 for illustration, in certain preferred embodiments, the tapered section 134 and the tapered surface 135 may have respective taper angles (144 and 146, respectively) which are approximately or substantially the same. In certain such embodiments, for example, the tapered section 134 tapered surface 135 may have respective taper angles which are each approximately 10 degrees. In certain other embodiments, the taper angles may range between 7.5-12.5 degrees or 5-20 degrees. In preferred embodiments, the tapered section 134 may be substantially or entirely within the proximal portion 116.

In certain embodiments, the first portion 138 of the strut member 104 may be substantially cylindrical and the main bore 132 may have a cylindrical section 154 disposed between the tapered section 134 and the distal end 122. As illustrated in FIG. 10 for example, in some embodiments, the first end 126 may be substantially hemispherical.

In particular preferred embodiments, the second portion 142 of the strut member 104 may include a radially-extending strut flange 108 adapted to axially engage the proximal end 120. Referring to FIG. 8 for illustration, a strut member 104 may include an inner groove 152 disposed, for example, within the second end 128.

Embodiments of the present invention may improve upon conventional fill nipple assemblies by reducing operational wear on the seal member, providing substantially fail-safe seal functionality and significantly reducing or eliminating the chance that the seal member will dislodge from the strut member during the filling process or during operation of the regulator to which the fill nipple assembly is mounted. Also, the design of the embodiments of the present invention may allow more aggressive “flash-filling” of a pressurized system without causing the the seal member to become dislodge or damaged as a result.

The fill port 112 of a regulator body 110 is typically placed in fluid communication with a gas pressure reservoir (not shown) by way of a fill channel 114 within the regulator body 110. During the fill process, pressurized gas flowing from the distal end 122 toward the proximal end 120 forces the strut member 104 axially toward the proximal end 120, thereby removing the seal member 106 from sealing contact with the tapered section 134 of the main bore 132. Once the fill process has terminated, the pressurized gas within the fill port 112 (e.g., from the pressurized gas reservoir) forces the strut member 104 back toward the distal end 122, thereby causing the seal member 106 to sealingly engage the tapered section 134 of the main bore 132. The tapered section 134, in cooperation with the tapered surface 135 of the intermediate portion 130, allows the seal member 106 to seal and unseal while being subjected to much less friction than in conventional fill nipple assemblies, thereby potentially extending the life of the seal member 106 member.

In addition to other functions, the strut flange 108 may provide a backup seal (e.g., when it is forced against the proximal end 120 of the fill nipple member 102 as a result of, for example, a failure or disintegration of the seal member 106), thus substantially restricting the release of pressurized gas from a pressurized gas reservoir through the fill nipple assembly 100 in the event the seal member 106 fails. Among other benefits, this allows a fill hose fitting to be more easily removed from the fill nipple assembly 100 when such a failure occurs during the filling process. Similarly, embodiments may be adapted such that upon any failure or disintegration of the seal element 106, the tapered surface 135 and tapered section 134 may come into direct face-to-face engagement with each other, thereby also substantially restricting the release of pressurized gas from the pressure reservoir through the fill nipple assembly.

While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of description rather than limitation, and it is understood that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

1. A fill nipple assembly for use as a fill interface on a pressure regulator, said fill nipple assembly comprising: a fill nipple body including a proximal end, a distal end, a main bore extending therebetween, a proximal portion adjacent said proximal end, and a distal portion adjacent said distal end, said main bore having a tapered section extending from a broad end to a narrow end, said broad end being closest to said proximal end; a strut member including a first end, a second end, a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, said intermediate portion including a tapered surface, said strut member further including an annular seal groove disposed along said intermediate portion, said strut member adapted to being received by said main bore for axial movement into and out of a sealing configuration with respect to said main bore; and a seal member received by said seal groove and extending partially outward of said tapered surface; wherein said seal member sealingly engages said tapered section when said strut member is in said sealing configuration.
 2. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said seal member is an o-ring.
 3. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said tapered section and said tapered surface have respective taper angles which are approximately the same.
 4. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said tapered section and said tapered surface have respective taper angles which are each approximately 10 degrees.
 5. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said first portion is substantially cylindrical and said main bore has a cylindrical section disposed between said tapered section and said distal end.
 6. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said tapered section is substantially within said proximal portion.
 7. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said second portion includes a radially-extending strut flange, said strut flange being adapted to axially engage said proximal end.
 8. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said strut member includes an inner groove disposed within said second end.
 9. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said first end is substantially hemispherical
 10. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said proximal portion includes external threading.
 11. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 1 in which said main bore includes a tool engagement portion extending inwardly from said distal end, said tool engagement portion being adapted to axially releasably receive a torque tool.
 12. A fill nipple assembly for use as a fill interface on a pressure regulator, said fill nipple assembly comprising: a fill nipple body including a proximal end, a distal end, a main bore extending therebetween, a proximal portion adjacent said proximal end, and a distal portion adjacent said distal end, said main bore having a tapered section extending from a broad end to a narrow end, said broad end being closest to said proximal end; a strut member including a first end, a second end, a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, said intermediate portion including a tapered surface, said strut member further including an annular seal groove disposed along said intermediate portion, said strut member adapted to being received by said main bore for axial movement into and out of a sealing configuration with respect to said main bore; and a seal member received by said seal groove and extending partially outward of said tapered surface; wherein said second portion includes a radially-extending strut flange, said strut flange being adapted to axially engage said proximal end, said tapered section and said tapered surface have respective taper angles which are approximately the same, and said seal member sealingly engages said tapered section when said strut member is in said sealing configuration.
 13. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 12 in which said tapered section and said tapered surface have respective taper angles which are each approximately 10 degrees.
 14. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 12 in which said first portion is substantially cylindrical and said main bore has a cylindrical section disposed between said tapered section and said distal end.
 15. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 12 in which said tapered section is substantially within said proximal portion.
 16. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 12 in which said strut member includes an inner groove disposed within said second end.
 17. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 12 in which said first end is substantially hemispherical.
 18. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 12 in which said proximal portion includes external threading.
 19. A fill nipple assembly as defined in claim 12 in which said main bore includes a tool engagement portion extending inwardly from said distal end, said tool engagement portion being adapted to axially releasably receive a torque tool.
 20. A fill nipple assembly for use as a fill interface on a pressure regulator, said fill nipple assembly comprising: a fill nipple body including a proximal end, a distal end, a main bore extending therebetween, a proximal portion adjacent said proximal end, and a distal portion adjacent said distal end, said main bore having a tapered section extending from a broad end to a narrow end, said broad end being closest to said proximal end; a strut member including a first end, a second end, a first portion, a second portion and an intermediate portion therebetween, said intermediate portion including a tapered surface, said strut member further including an annular seal groove disposed along said intermediate portion, said strut member adapted to being received by said main bore for axial movement into and out of a sealing configuration with respect to said main bore; and a seal member received by said seal groove and extending partially outward of said tapered surface; wherein said second portion includes a radially-extending strut flange, said strut flange being adapted to axially engage said proximal end, said strut member includes an inner groove disposed within said second end, said proximal portion includes external threading, said first portion is substantially cylindrical and said main bore has a cylindrical section disposed between said tapered section and said distal end, said tapered section and said tapered surface have respective taper angles which are substantially the same, and said seal member sealingly engages said tapered section when said strut member is in said sealing configuration. 